Today we’d like to introduce you to Miss Alyssa Erspamer.
Miss Alyssa, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I grew up in Marquette, Michigan, a beautiful city on the shores of Lake Superior. My first memory of falling in love with music was when I felt so much joy while singing “Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Da” in my 3rd-grade music class. At the age of 9, I started taking guitar lessons at a local music store just up the road. I started to write songs after my first “break up” at age 12. My next music endeavor was singing in musicals from Guys and Doll’s Junior to Charlie Brown. Through my younger years, I always felt a calling to music and performing, but when it came time to make decisions through high school and college, I often chose sports over the arts. While running for the track team in college, I chose to pursue a Music Education degree. Turns out, being an intense music teacher wasn’t fit for me. I took a 180 turn and graduated with a Physical Therapist Assistant degree from a University a couple of hours from home. Music was still calling to me through it all. I made time for music on most weekends by singing in a classic rock cover band with my friends for six years and also by playing and posting a few solo performances on Youtube and Facebook to entertain friends in college and at home. Fast forward a few years, and I have been steadily working the 9-5 bus, singing here and there with my talented friend, Alex yet feeling too exhausted to write songs and pursue my true passion by the end of the day. My boyfriend, Michael, had moved to Atlanta 2 years before and all of a sudden, I was ready to join him. I keep mentioning this feeling of a calling to music and writing my own stories and melodies. Well, after 28 years, I finally chose to answer it. We packed up my car with my clothes and guitar and headed to Marietta, GA, in July 2018. I am happy to say I’ve committed most of my time to writing my songs and performing since coming to Georgia. I’ve never felt more authentic and true to myself and those around me. When you’re doing what you love and can be honest with yourself, you will shine and pass that light on to everyone you encounter. To top it all off, the music community in Atlanta and surrounding areas is one of a kind! Endless opportunities to grow, listen, perform, and meet artists. Thank you for being you, Atlanta music/musicians!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am Miss Alyssa, and I am a singer/songwriter. I write songs from my life experiences, what I feel, and how I think I’d feel if I were in someone else’s shoes. I’m inspired by the women before me that have said or sang what’s in their heart without holding back. It took me years to get to this point, but I’ve finally realized I have a lot to say, and my songs are how my voice is meant to be heard. My hope is that at least one person will connect to my song or even one line and feel they’re being heard. The moments of happiness, hurt, love, and pain happen to us all. Music is a beautiful way to experience all of these emotions while alone or together. My songs are passionate, authentic, and from my soul. When you hear my song or see me perform, I hope you take away a new perspective and love for those around you and are inspired to live your life with passion and truth.
Artists rarely, if ever pursue art for the money. Nonetheless, we all have bills and responsibilities, and many aspiring artists are discouraged from pursuing art due to financial reasons. Any advice or thoughts you’d like to share with prospective artists?
Patience is a great thing to practice during the process of choosing to be a full-time artist. (What I tell myself everyday) Most artist’s success does not come overnight and takes a lot of hard work and commitment. I think it is best to make sure you have financial stability before diving head first into a full-time commitment to your craft I am thankful to have 2-3 side jobs with a flexible schedule so I can commit several hours a day to my music while money is still coming in the door and supports my bigger dreams. I think it’s also really important to determine your own definition of success. I used to think having a singing career meant I had to be famous, always on the road, and that was that. Turns out, there’s a million other paths you can take to have a “successful” music career, and that has helped me be more resourceful financially.
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
My solo singer/songwriter journey has really just begun, and I’d love for you to come in this ride with me! I am most active on Facebook and Instagram. (Website and Soundcloud to be available soon) Please support me by following and engaging with me on social media but most importantly, coming to a live show! Come say hi, listen to the words, enjoy the realness and imperfections of live music, and support local art.
Contact Info:
- Email: alyssaj.ers@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miss_alyssa_music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missalyssamusic
Image Credit:
Jill Driver – Everlight Photography
Gunner King Photography (Live performance photos)
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
